Page 3 - Guadalupe Mountains

The Guadalupe Mountain Range is the highest of several mountain ranges in Western Texas.  It looks from a distance like just a big rock sticking out of the plain, but it also is a fantastic place full of unique plants.  The highest point, Guadalupe Peak, is the highest mountain in the state of Texas at 8,749'.

Agave neomexicana is common in the Guadalupe Mountains.  One also sees some A. lopantha, and another interesting species, A. gracilipes, which is virtually unknown in cultivation for some odd reason.  A. neomexicana is one of the hardiest Agaves, withstanding temperatures down to -20°F.

More Agave neomexicana growing in an oak/pine forest in McKittrick Canyon.

Arbutus xalapensis in McKittrick Canyon.  This rare broadleaf evergreen is possibly the hardiest species in the genus, and this is its northernmost population.  There are also some Dasylirion leiophyllum at right.

Dasylirion flower spike and oak trees.

Agave neomexicana even flowers at 8,000 on Guadalupe Peak.  At the top of Guadalupe Peak, it will survive, but I did not see any in flower above about 8,300'.

Pine forests on limestone at the crest of the Guadalupe Mountains.  Add some bromeliads and it could be Mexico.

Opuntia engelmanii apparently is hardy enough to thrive at the very top of Guadalupe Peak.  This picture was taken at 8,700'.

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